Should I microwave-defrost sandwiches?
I freeze sandwiches made from homemade bread rolls at the weekend, paired in plastic bags, and get a set out at 6 am to take to work in a rucksack. They stay there until I eat them at noon, when they're still pretty cold and wet, possibly because they stay in the rucksack's dark inside. I could make them a bit closer to room temperature by defrosting them in my home's microwave before I leave, or by warming them slightly in a microwave at work, but I'm not sure how much I should use either method or on which setting. Alternatively (if it would be enough, but I think it would be socially suboptimal), I could take the bag out at work so the rolls get some light. Is there an optimum approach?
Best Answer
No matter what you do in this situation, you are likely to end up with soggy sandwiches. This has nothing to do with light. Firstly, the bread of pre-made sandwiches will naturally pick up moisture from the filling and condiments. Often, even freshly made sandwiches will become a bit soggy by lunchtime. You've also created a further disadvantage by freezing. Freezing and thawing disrupts the cell structure of foods. When this happens, moisture is often lost. Of course, the bread will absorb this moisture. A microwave will thaw and warm, but will not remove much of this moisture. You would have better luck with an oven, but that would be more time consuming. Really, your optimal approach is to prepare the ingredients in advance, then take 2-3 minutes before you leave for work, and make a sandwich.
Pictures about "Should I microwave-defrost sandwiches?"
Quick Answer about "Should I microwave-defrost sandwiches?"
Unfortunately a frozen sandwich kept in saran wrap or a plastic bag will always be soggy by time of defrost - unless crisped up in an oven (not microwave - which will make it more soggy).How do you defrost sandwiches?
To defrost your sandwiches, remove them from the freezer and place them in the fridge. It's best not to allow them to thaw at room temperature, particularly if your sandwiches contain any meat, dairy, or fish.Can you microwave frozen sandwich?
How to reheat frozen breakfast sandwiches: Remove the plastic wrap and wrap the sandwich in a paper towel. Microwave for 1 minute on defrost or 50% power. Flip the sandwich over and microwave for 30 seconds- 1 minute on high power, until warmed through.Can you defrost sandwich meat in the microwave?
If you're in a hurry and the deli meat is well sealed in an airtight freezer bag, you can place the bag in a bowl of cold water to defrost, making sure to change the water often, so it stays cold. Homemade meats can be defrosted in the microwave, but then need to be enjoyed right away.How to Defrost Meat using a Microwave Oven(HD)
More answers regarding should I microwave-defrost sandwiches?
Answer 2
I think it is worth looking at your sandwich making process to see if there are any things you can do to reduce the likelihood of this dampness.
You mentioned that you freshly bake the rolls, do you allow them plenty of time to finish cooling and releasing steam before you start making them into sandwiches?
How 'damp' are the meats you use for fillings? Some processed meats have quite a high water content. Could you experiment with cheese or with drier meats like salamis or dried ham instead?
Does you mayonnaise have water listed as an ingredient? Many of the lower calorie mayonnaises have that and it can make the bread damp if it is in prolonged contact. A water-free mayo would avoid that, as would butter. Or can you keep a jar of mayo at work and add that just before you eat your sandwich?
You also say that you wrap them in plastic, which will seal in any moisture that might otherwise evaporate. You could consider a couple of options to combat that. You could unwrap them from the plastic in the morning and place them in a paper bag, or have them wrapped in paper kitchen towel inside the plastic as that wuld absorb some of the free moisture.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Pavel Danilyuk, Pavel Danilyuk, Yusef Wiley, Nothing Ahead